Bill Hudson, left, the new director of institutional advancement at Mounds Park Academy in Maplewood, talks to Jeff Suzik, its head of school. Hudson resigned from Totino-Grace in July after revealing that he was in a committed same-sex relationship. (Pioneer Press: Jean Pieri)

Former Totino-Grace High School leader Bill Hudson hopes his new job will let him return to being "a boring person."

In July, Hudson left the Fridley Catholic school after revealing to its board he was in a committed same-sex relationship. His departure thrust him in the media spotlight and inspired an alumni petition in his support.

Later this month, he will start as director of institutional advancement at Mounds Park Academy, a nonsectarian private school in Maplewood. Speaking publicly for the first time since leaving Totino-Grace, Hudson said the hire concludes a summer of focusing on his family -- and weighing job offers.

"It was a difficult time for me and my family," he said. "But on the flip side, my resume was blasted across the metro."

Mounds Park's head of school, Jeff Suzik, says Hudson's fundraising prowess and knack for alumni relations will come in handy in the newly created position. For the academy, the hire also is a chance to tout its long-standing policy against discriminating based on sexual orientation.

"This is a place that really does live the mission of inclusivity," Suzik said.

In July, Hudson had one of his regular meetings with the co-chairs of Totino-Grace's board. This time, they wanted to ask him about some personal information they had learned.

A two-decade veteran of Catholic education, Hudson had served in the school's leadership since 2003, most recently as president and chief executive officer.

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He also is a former administrator at Hill-Murray School, Mounds Park Academy's neighbor.

Hudson led a "discreet, quiet life" with his partner of 18 years and their two children, ages 7 and 8. He made friends in his south Minneapolis neighborhood and shuttled his kids to swimming and gymnastics.

"That part stayed at home and in my neighborhood," he said. "It was difficult because people at school only saw a slice of who I am."

At the meeting with board leaders, he first told them about his family. Shortly after that, he and the school both released statements about his resignation.

The school's statement praised his contributions but said "leading a Catholic school while living in a committed same-sex relationship is not consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church." Hudson's statement said it was time for him to lead "an authentic life."

Now, Hudson says he made and embraced the decision to leave, and he believes he had "other choices." He said he and his partner had already discussed a career change that would allow him to be more open about his personal life.

The anger his departure triggered toward the school saddens him, he said. "Totino-Grace is a great place."

He said he spent the summer rethinking his priorities. "After many years of putting my job first and my family second, it was a tremendous opportunity to spend time with my children and regroup," he said.

Hudson said his phone rang with overtures from schools, nonprofits and other organizations. He ultimately decided he wanted to remain in education.

Suzik said Hudson was well-known in the school's community going back to his days at Hill-Murray.

"He has a tremendous resume," said Suzik. "He brings a whole lot of experiences that are really important in today's schools."

Suzik spoke of Hudson's ability to appeal to families in a highly competitive Twin Cities school scene. In his last year at Totino-Grace, Hudson had added 350 new donors.

Hudson said he is ready to close a painfully public chapter and dive into his new job.